Pope Francis to Be Buried Outside Vatican at Santa Maria Maggiore
Rome, April 26, 2025 – In a historic break from centuries of tradition, Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday 2025 at the age of 88, will become the first pope in over a century to be buried outside Vatican City. The late pontiff, known for his humility and devotion to simplicity, has chosen the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome as his final resting place, a decision that underscores his lifelong devotion to the Virgin Mary.
A Historic Choice
Pope Francis’ decision to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore marks a significant departure from the modern custom of interring popes within the Vatican, typically in the grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. The last pope buried outside Vatican City was Leo XIII, laid to rest at the Basilica of St. John Lateran in 1903. Historically, Santa Maria Maggiore has served as the burial site for seven other popes, the most recent being Pope Clement IX in 1669. Francis’ choice revives this ancient tradition, aligning with his preference for simplicity and his deep spiritual connection to the basilica.
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of Rome’s four major basilicas, holds special significance for Pope Francis. Throughout his pontificate, he frequently visited the basilica to pray before the icon of “Salus Populi Romani” (Protectress of the Roman People), a venerated image of the Virgin Mary. His will, made public after his death, explicitly requests burial in this sacred space, reflecting his personal devotion and his desire to remain close to the people of Rome even in death.
A Simple Burial
In keeping with his lifelong emphasis on humility, Pope Francis stipulated a simple burial in his will. His body will be interred directly in the ground, without an elaborate sarcophagus or monument. The tomb, located in a niche between the Pauline and Sforza Chapels within the basilica, will be marked by a modest marble slab bearing only the inscription “Franciscus.” This minimalist approach echoes his papacy, which was characterized by a focus on the poor, rejection of extravagance, and a call for the Church to embrace simplicity.
The choice of a ground burial also aligns with Francis’ ecological concerns, as expressed in his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’, which called for care for the Earth. By forgoing a grandiose tomb, he leaves a final testament to his commitment to environmental stewardship and modesty.
The Funeral and Transfer
Following his death, Pope Francis’ funeral is scheduled for April 26, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square, where thousands of faithful are expected to gather to bid farewell to the beloved pontiff. The ceremony will follow the traditional rites for a papal funeral, presided over by the Dean of the College of Cardinals. Afterward, in a symbolic procession, his body will be transported approximately 2.5 miles across Rome to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
This transfer is expected to draw significant attention, as it will be the first time in modern history that a pope’s body is moved outside Vatican City for burial. The route, likely to pass through Rome’s historic center, will offer the public a final opportunity to pay their respects to the pope who championed the marginalized and sought to reform the Church.
A Legacy of Devotion
Pope Francis’ choice of Santa Maria Maggiore as his burial site is deeply personal. As the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas, he often spoke of his connection to Mary, whom he described as a guiding figure in his life. His frequent visits to the basilica, including before and after international trips, were a hallmark of his papacy. By choosing to rest eternally in this sacred space, he ensures that his legacy remains tied to the Virgin Mary and the people of Rome.
The decision also reflects Francis’ desire to decentralize the Church’s focus from the Vatican. Throughout his 12-year papacy, he emphasized the importance of a Church that goes out to the peripheries, both geographically and socially. His burial outside the Vatican can be seen as a final gesture in this direction, symbolically placing himself among the faithful rather than within the institutional heart of the Church.
Historical Context
While unusual in modern times, Pope Francis’ burial at Santa Maria Maggiore is not without precedent. The basilica has long been a significant site for papal burials, with popes such as Pius V, Sixtus V, and Clement VIII interred there in earlier centuries. The choice also recalls the broader history of papal burials, which were not always confined to the Vatican. Until the 20th century, popes were buried in various Roman basilicas, including St. John Lateran and Santa Maria sopra Minerva, depending on their personal wishes or historical circumstances.
Pope Francis’ decision may also influence future pontiffs, signaling that the Vatican is not the only appropriate resting place for a pope. It underscores his view that the Church is universal, not confined to a single geographic or institutional center.
A Lasting Impact
As the Catholic Church mourns the loss of Pope Francis, his burial at Santa Maria Maggiore will serve as a poignant reminder of his unique papacy. From his election in 2013 as the “pope from the end of the world” to his final resting place in one of Rome’s most cherished basilicas, Francis consistently challenged conventions while remaining rooted in faith and service.
His tomb, simple yet profound, will likely become a place of pilgrimage for Catholics worldwide, offering a space to reflect on his teachings of mercy, compassion, and care for creation. In death, as in life, Pope Francis continues to point the Church toward humility and the heart of the Gospel.
